Asanele Velebayi eager to improve attacking output at Kaizer Chiefs

Asanele Velebayi is enjoying his start to life at Kaizer Chiefs, but he knows that he can do more to help the team offensively.

Since arriving at Chiefs late last year, following a contractual dispute with former club Cape Town Spurs, Velebayi has largely been used as an impact player, starting only four games in 10 appearances for the club.

Whether he’s started matches or come off the bench, the 23-year-old has proven to be a threat to opponents thanks to his trickery, quick feet and explosiveness. Still, he’s yet to make that count, having not contributed a goal or assist.

Velebayi, though, is not being too hard on himself for his minimal return in front of goal, as he believes that his overall contribution to the team takes precedence.

“I’ve been looking to score, but I don’t want to put myself under pressure because I know the team comes first. I am always looking to score and assist,” Velebayi said. “If the team is doing well, I am happy. But I know that it’s important to get stats for myself as well.”

With attackers often judged on goal contributions, Velebayi is not naive to the scrutiny around his performances. That’s why he is focused on improving all aspects of his game.

“I can’t say I am in a great or bad place in terms of my contributions, but I am looking to improve and learn every day. I always want to evolve,” Velebayi said. “I am in a better place because I am always learning.”

Velebayi could have struggled to hit the ground running at Chiefs, given that he was carefully integrated into the team after being sidelined from competitive football during the contractual stand-off between Chiefs and Spurs.

Now that he has regained full fitness, he is ready to help the team wherever possible. That’s why he focuses on the needs of the game rather than chasing personal glory.

“When I come in from the bench, I look for weak points where I can help the team going forward,” Velebayi said. “I always look to leave a mark whether I start the game or not. It’s always about making an impact.

“I always want to help the team, whether in scoring, assisting or defending, especially if the team is leading.”

Chiefs are currently on a high after winning their last three matches, including a 3-1 victory over Orbit College at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Easter Monday.

With momentum building, Chiefs will be eager to maintain their push for a top-three finish. That makes their next match against TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium on Sunday (3pm kick-off) crucial.

Galaxy have proven to be a bogey side for Chiefs in recent years, winning three matches, drawing nine and losing just once since their historic triumph in the 2019 Nedbank Cup.

However, the teams meet at contrasting moments – Chiefs are in strong form, while Galaxy are struggling, having lost four and drawn one of their last five matches, including a 2-1 defeat to Polokwane City on Wednesday.

Velebayi is well aware of the challenge Galaxy pose but believes Chiefs must use their current form and home advantage.

“I think it all comes down to who wants it the most,” Velebayi said. “We’ve not had the best results against them, and we’ve often been unlucky. They’ve shown strong character and mindset in those games, but that has to change.”